Peter Orton was the Chairman and founder of HIT Entertainment, certainly the best known and one of the most successful children's TV production, licensing and merchandising companies in the world.

Although he retired from the company on the acquisition of HIT by APAX in the summer of 2005, his real claim to fame is he introduced children all over the world to magical characters which have enriched their young lives.

Bob the Builder was at the heart of his company, which also acquired and developed Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney the purple Dinosaur, Pingu and many, many more. Children everywhere have spent hours watching and playing with the magic produced by Peter Orton's HIT Entertainment.

In retirement, utilising his extraordinary knowledge and contacts, Peter also developed the idea for the Children's Party at the Palace, part of last year's celebrations for HM Queen's 80th birthday party. In June 2006 the Party was broadcast to record TV audiences on BBC1.

The Party was held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, and celebrated children's books written by British authors across the centuries and saw 2000 children being personally invited by the Queen to celebrate with her.

His work was recognised in the 2007 Honours List which saw Peter appointed to the Royal Victorian Order as a Commander (CVO) link to news section item below for his contribution to children's literacy.

Peter has also received two Lifetime Achievement Awards from his industry. The British Academy of Film & TV Arts (BAFTA) recognised him in 2002, and Marche Internationale de Television (MIP-TV) presented him with the award in 2005.

Few people know that Peter has fought a long and hard battle with cancer. But it is a fight he faces resolutely and with the enthusiasm and dedication he puts into everything he does, he now works to help cancer sufferers and the charitable world that supports victims of this terrible disease.